Our Team
Kendel Ross
Kendel is the owner and founder of Growth Mindset Co. Born and raised in Sarnia, Kendel completed her Master’s Degree in Exercise science at the University of Dayton in Ohio. She is a strength and conditioning specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association and Master level health coach with Precision Nutrition. In 2022, Growth Mindset Co. pitched the idea of an activity centre to the leadership council for the Youth Wellness Hubs of Ontario Sarnia-Lambton site. After approval from the leadership council and securing the funding for the project from the Mike Weir foundation, Growth Mindset Co was contracted by Bluewater Health to develop and facilitate the Weir Active project.
Jake Simrak
Jake is the funding supervisor and project support at Weir Active born and raised in Sarnia. He went to St Patrick’s Catholic High School and graduated from the Child and Youth Care program at Lambton College. Jake is currently at the University of Windsor for the Bachelor of Social Work program. He has been active through numerous sports including football, basketball, volleyball and has also played soccer competitively since he was 8 years old with Galladev’s United. Jake loves working with the youth in the community to help them to experience how beneficial being active is to the body and mind.
Ksha Pino
Ksha, an activity instructor at Weir Active and executive assitant at Growth Mindset co. Originally from the vibrant Philippines. Her inspiring journey brought her to Canada as an International Student, where she thrives at Lambton College, pursuing a post-graduate diploma in Business Management. Equipped with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, her passion lies in community service and advocating for the well-being of youth, she wholeheartedly supports the cause of mental health, recognizing its pivotal role in fostering resilience and unlocking personal success. She believes in embracing, celebrating, and accepting every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs. Her aspiration is to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and united, fostering an atmosphere of growth.
Gabe Brokenshire
Gabe is the supervisor and the event coordinator at Weir Active. He is a graduate of the Child and Youth Care program and the Protection, Security and Investigation program at Lambton College. Gabe is dedicated to advocating with youth to promote a better community for everyone. He believes even though progress may be slow, progress somewhere is better than progress nowhere. He also can’t take a photo without laughing.
Grace Coats
Grace is an activity instructor at Weir Active. Grace was born and raised in Sarnia and graduated from St. Patrick's High School. She has pursued education at Lambton College in the Recreation Therapy program and decided to switch over to the Social Service Worker program last fall. Grace decided to take this step due to her passion for mental health and helping those in the community. She is expected to graduate in April 2025 and hopes to further enhance her education to achieve her BSW. Grace has loved her new adventure into her field early on and working with youth to show the benefits active play can have on your mental well-being.
Julia Boelens
Julia is a placement student from Lambton College and acts as an activity instructor. She is in her second year of the Child and Youth Care Program and will be graduating in April of 2026. Julia was born and raised in the Sarnia-Lambton area. She graduated from London Christian High school where she participated in numerous school sports, as well as competing in organized hockey and softball for many years. With her placement Julia hopes to combine her love for activity and her passion for working with youth to gain experience in the field.